**Chapter 1: A Peculiar Dinner Conversation**

The dim lighting of the dining room cast a warm glow over the gathering. My parents, James, and Remus Lupin were all seated around the table, surrounded by the delicious aromas of leftover night. My mom had made a few of my favorite dishes: meat-loaf, steak, and pasta. However, as I gazed down at the food in front of me, I couldn't muster up much of an appetite. "Y/n, you hardly touched your food," my mom said, concern etched on her face. I looked up at her and shrugged, trying to brush off her worries. "I'm just not hungry, Mom." James, always the jokester, chimed in, "Yeah, maybe she's just not hungry for meat-loaf." I rolled my eyes and shot him a warning glance. Remus Lupin, sitting across from me, smiled kindly and asked, "Well, it is leftover night, we have Steak, Pasta, what are you hungry for, Euphemia?" James smirked, and I could tell he was gearing up to tease me. "Remus Lupin, James," I started, my tone a little sharp, "just leave me alone, okay?" But James wasn't one to back down. He grinned mischievously and said, "Oh, come on, Euphemia, you can tell us. Are you pining for something... or someone?" Remus Lupin's eyes flicked to James, and I could sense a hint of surprise behind his expression. My face began to heat up, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. "Shut up!" I yelled, trying to defend myself. My mom intervened, her voice calm and soothing. "That's enough for you two. Let's just enjoy dinner, okay?" But James wasn't done yet. He pressed on, his voice laced with amusement. "Well, she is if you like him so much, maybe you should kiss him," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. The room fell silent, and I could feel Remus Lupin's gaze on me. I turned to him, and our eyes met. His face was a deep shade of red, and I could tell he was shocked. I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, James continued, "Wait, what Remus said." Remus Lupin's eyes widened, and he shook his head, as if trying to clear the cobwebs. I could tell he was in a state of panic. The air was charged with tension, and I didn't know what would happen next. But one thing was certain: the night was about to take an unexpected turn.